Throughout all time, God has been with his people. He has always wanted us near, but our sin separates us from him. We choose our own way instead of his. We choose momentary over eternal. But God is always there, patiently waiting for us to return to the place we were meant to be: in his presence. 

Advent may be a time that we’re waiting, but God is waiting too.

In Eden, Adam and Eve walked through the garden with God—until they doubted his goodness and chose the fruit of possible greatness over the certainty of divine presence. 

In the wilderness, Israel saw the presence of God rise and fall over the tabernacle as a cloud or a fire, leading them and reminding them of his care. 

In Jerusalem, God’s glory filled the temple. 

In Bethlehem, “the Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us” (John 1:14) in the Son of God: Emmanuel, Jesus.

Today, everyone who believes in and calls on the name of Jesus becomes a temple for the Spirit of God.

In the end, when Christ returns for his bride, when heaven and earth are made new, we will need no temple. We will once again walk with God, and his glory will light our way. We will see him, finally, face-to-face, as we were created to do. We will not need a ritual, a sanctuary, or a priest. We will not see merely a reflection of God and his goodness; we will experience his fullness. 

This week, don’t choose the artificial light of traditions over the presence of he who created you. Let his glory give light to your Christmas celebration. Dwell in him, revel in his goodness, and praise the One who has always pursued you, waiting for you to pursue him back. Enjoy the gifts, food, and family time, but don’t choose them over the presence of the God who is with us. 

Respond

In the final countdown to Christmas Day, make space each day this week to be in God’s presence—alone and with others. Wake up early, hide in your closet, sit in your car alone, or gather your family around the table. Praise God, who is worthy, and listen for his voice.